Basil

Ocimum basilicum.

Germination
Basil can be started indoors or direct sown in full sun, 0.25" deep. Seeds will germinate in soil which is 70-85°F. Allow 14 days for germination. Thin to 6-8" if growing for seed, 10" if growing for food.

Pollination
Basil plants can be self-pollinated or cross-pollinated by insects. Varieties can cross-breed, and isolation by 150' is recommended.

Seed Collection
Basil flowers grow in a raceme, which mature from the bottom upward. Wait for the lowest seeds to begin to brown, then remove the entire infloresence and hang to dry. dry seeds can be rubbed through a fine mesh and winnowed.